While most cat owners would like to think that their cat is the smartest, cutest, cuddliest — etc, etc — one cat in town can say he is truly a star.

Sandy Hook resident Robin A.F. Olson’s 10-year-old cat Blitzen has graced television screens across the nation in his debut commercial for Blue Buffalo adult cat food.

The commercial has been running more than a year, but it recently aired in front of 7.4 million viewers during the season finale of The Bachelorette in July and during a rerun of the hit comedy show The Big Bang Theory earlier this month.

“Every time I see it, I jump out of my skin and shout!” Ms Olson said excitedly. “I am so proud of Blitzen, and he looks amazing. Now I have this precious record of him in the prime of his life.”

When Ms Olson founded Kitten Associates, a nonprofit cat rescue based in town, Blitzen was part of the “Santa’s Sleigh” rescue of nine cats and kittens.

She decided to adopt Blitzen, and he joined a family of exceptional cats, including his award-winning sister Annie Jones, who holds the 12th Best Household Pet Title from the Cat Fanciers’ Federation for 2018.

During the Blue Buffalo commercial, Blitzen was paired with actress Mariette Booth as his co-star. Ms Booth has appeared in the popular television show Younger as well as in various theater productions and films.

“She was a pleasure to work with — very sweet and terrific with Blitzen,” Ms Olson said.

While the shoot itself took just an hour, Ms Olson and Blitzen were on set the whole day patiently awaiting their turn as other cats and one dog starred in different advertisements.

“It was crazy. There must have been over 50 people on set all working at a fast pace. They were shooting a few commercials at a private home they’d rigged up for the shoot… I had a huge crate with a sheet over it to keep Blitzen relaxed as we waited for our turn.” Ms Olson said.

With Blitzen relaxed and ready for his time to shine, there was no need to bring in any of the assigned “backup cats” to take his place if he could not perform.

“When it came time for us to be on set, they had me act as his animal trainer while the professional one they hired was right behind me,” Ms Olson explained. “I had to help keep Blitz calm and relaxed and be ready to pounce on him if he tried to run off.”

In the scene, Blitzen — named Cassie for the commercial — sits on his pretend owner’s lap and listens contentedly as she tells the viewers about the cat food.

Per Ms Olson’s recommendation, between takes, the actress brushed Blitzen’s fur to help soothe him when he got fussy.

“She had to brush him a few times, but overall, he did great… and I think the director began to crush on Blitzen, because as we did more takes, the director kept saying what a good boy he was!” Ms Olson said.

While filming the commercial was a fun and fascinating experience, Ms Olson says that she does not foresee more commercials in Blitzen’s future.

He may have had a brush with fame, but she and Blitzen would both much rather stay home where she can brush on his belly to his heart’s content.

To view the commercial with local cat Blitzen, visit youtube.com/watch?v=M8o7RYAVEkM.